Physiology, PhD

Patricia E. Molina, MD, PhD
Professor and Head
Department of Physiology

The graduate program leading to the PhD in Physiology is designed to provide advanced education and training for a career in biomedical research and/or teaching in a university, research institution, government, or industry setting. The program is flexible and designed to meet the needs and interests of the individual student. The program leading to a PhD generally requires 4 to 5 years to complete. In the first year, the student’s time is largely devoted to course work designated as Basic Biomedical Sciences. Students will be exposed to current departmental research programs through hands-on laboratory experiences leading to the selection of an area in which they will conduct research. Dissertation research under the mentorship of a faculty advisor should be under way during the summer after the first year and before the student has completed formal course requirements. Beginning in the second year, students will complete the Other Core Requirements and take advanced course work tailored to the student’s needs. Students start participating in the teaching programs of the department to gain communication skills important for career development. As students proceed through the program, research will occupy an increasing amount of time.

Qualified students will be accepted for graduate courses in physiology only after consultation with and approval by the Graduate Faculty of the Department. The minimum (core) requirements can be found at the link below.